I’m off to conference in less than two weeks and I’m completely unprepared. I haven’t done any of the essentials (that is if you believe all the conference chatter going around) that go into conference preparation: primarily shopping for an entire new wardrobe. You might understand my supposed panic if you could see my “business casual.” In my office, that consists primarly of Target t-shirts and sweatpants. Sorry to burst the bubble, but no, I don’t wear designer clothes to write. I can’t even get myself into something cool and hip, say like Lucy sweats. No, I’m a Hanes girl. So to go somewhere and have to “dress” for four days straight is a bit intimidating to this stay-at-home mom, who happens to work a bit when the kids aren’t looking.
I probably wouldn’t care in the least, but I’m rooming with Jane Porter, the Medina style maven, who will be changing outfits three times a day and putting us all to shame with her perfectly coordinated separates and jewelry. I love Jane, but trying to keep up with Jane would be like putting me in the 100 yard Butterfly when I’m more of a 25 yard Freestyle gal. I’ll take my Fifth Place ribbon up front, and make the best of what I’ve got.
Yes, I know I could go shopping, but I inherited my mother’s sensibilities over all this and I see no sense in spending good money to buy outfits I will wear only a few times. (But of course, there is that wicked little voice in the back of my head saying: but you could wear them again at New Jersey, Emerald City and New York.) But I just don’t have the time. Or the inclination.
So this weekend I’ll start digging through the closet, rather akin to dumpster diving, searching for something to wear to my various funtions. Tea on Thursday, Avon Meetings Friday, the Booksigning, more meetings, a reception, the Avon Dinner, Saturday day just hanging out, Saturday night at the Ritas. Not to mention something to travel in that is comfortable and doesn’t immediately slate me for a TSA strip search. Oh, and don’t forget, shoes for all this. Arrgh.
This alone is enough to have me throw in the towel and say, “fuh-get-about-it.” But happily I’ve been to enough conferences to know that it really isn’t what you wear that matters. It is what you say and what you make of the opportunities that come your way that really counts. But we’ll get to that next week.
Well much like you, I had nothing! I wear PJs most of the time and while Winnie the Pooh is cute enough for my pc, I don’t think he’ll do for conference. So I had to go shopping.
I got lucky and hit several sales, yay me. Then decided to make my award night dress. Yeah well, last night it got ruined and I’m scrambling to find a replacement. Actually I did, I just have to alter it.
I look forward to seeing you at conference this year Elizabeth! Last time I was able to attend any part of it, you weren’t there. So I’m really looking forward to meeting you!!
BTW, dumps…umm closet diving is like treasure hunting. You never know what gems you’ll find!
Tea on Thursday
Ugg, the above comment got partially deleted for some reason.
What I said: Tea on Thursday? Did I miss something? I have tea on the 11th, twice but don’t recall anything about tea on Thursday.
Enjoy digging through the closet and forget worrying about Jane, her style is in a class of its own so it’s a good thing she’s such a great lady. That’s you too, a great lady even if style isn’t your thing. Be glad you don’t have to dress like your characters – unless you want to. LOL!
Oh, Haven, the tea is a private thing not a conference thing. Sorry for the confusion–but still I have to dress for it. And no, Terri, you won’t catch me dressing like one of my characters.
Whew! I was worried I had forgotten something. Enjoy your tea!
I’m thinking before the end of this conference, I’m going to be tea-d out. Most likely not, but anyhow hehe.
I’ve been putting the final touches on my schedule and just finished another item on my to-do list. Yay!
I’m sure you’ll look smashing, even if you did dress up like your characters hehe.
I’m glad I’m not the only one feeling unprepared for the conference. Maybe it’s because it’s being held earlier this year that makes us feel it’s snuck up on us.
I did my big shopping trip for clothes over the weekend and plan to make my final outfit decisions tomorrow so I can start packing before the 4th of July holiday interrupts. Like you said, it doesn’t matter what we wear. But still, when I feel I’m looking my best I feel more outgoing. Since conference is so much about networking, every confidence boost I can find will help.
Now I’m off to perfect my pitch! See you in Dallas!
Jane always looks gorgeous–it’s a little supernatural.